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Hearts of the Fallen #2

The Demon's Desire

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He’s as dark and dangerous as the storms he once commanded…and she can’t get him out of her heart.

Dru has spent two thousand years fighting to keep the people of Terra Noctem safe. In all that time, she's only opened her heart to one man, with disastrous results. But when her city takes in a group of renegade Fallen, she finds herself drawn to the brooding and tormented Meresin, despite the fact that he seems to be the least redeemable of them all. When his instability hits a breaking point, Meresin’s only chance at survival is a perilous journey into a place from which few ever return. What he never expected was that confronting his demons would mean risking not only his future, but Dru's as well...and that one stubborn vampire might give him back not just hope, but his heart.

232 pages, Unknown Binding

First published August 19, 2013

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410 people want to read

About the author

Kendra Leigh Castle

38 books637 followers
Kendra Leigh Castle is the author of numerous paranormal romances, including the MacInnes Werewolves trilogy, the RITA award-nominated Renegade Angel, the Dark Dynasties series, and the Hearts of the Fallen series. 2014 will see the release of her first contemporary romance, For the Longest Time, which will be the first in her Harvest Cove series. Kendra lives in Maryland with her husband, children, two Newfs, and one obnoxious cat.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Ren Puspita.
1,480 reviews1,018 followers
August 14, 2014
4 stars

The Demon's Desire is the second installment of Hearts of Fallen series by Kendra Leigh Castle. The story continue from Demon's Song (I recommend to read it first), feature Meresin, one of the Fallen Angel that reside and protect Terra Nortem and Drusilla, the vampire king's sister. Both Meresin and Dru had a long history between them, all start with a kiss. Dru care for Meresin that always brooding, angry and homicidal. While Meresin care for nothing, not for his own brethren because his vindictive nature and his ability to wielding lightning and storm. Then, the Archangel Uriel give Meresin a task that maybe can save him from his condition. And from some accidental event, Dru and Meresin are bonded, both now go to the Purgatory. To bring back Meresin's sanity before he destroy himself.

I like this better than the previous book. Demon's Song feel like an ordinary PNR for me, with a same old-same old theme and especially the ending. While Demon's Desire not too different, it's grab me by the story and character. Meresin is what I called "Zsadist archetype". We all (okay some PNR fans maybe) know that Zsadist from BDB is so tortured, he decide that he's not worthy for his woman. Same case with Meresin, he believe that he's born alone, live alone and therefore will die alone. He doesn't give any of his brethren chance to care for him, even just a little. His emotion always raging, full of violence and unforgiveness because his past with the angels and his reason to fell to Hell. What we need with this kind of a hero? A heroine that can accept for what he is, and Dru is the perfect woman for Meresin.

I like Dru, a lot. She's better than Sofia,the heroine from Demon's Song. Dru is already immortal, therefore make her badass. But she also have feeling and flaws, that make her more real. Dru doesn't back off from Meresin's attitude to her. She challenge him with caring for him, understand him more than everyone. Even I'm not too fond with Meresin (tortured hero that think that he's not worthy for his woman kinda annoyed me sometimes), Dru is what I like from this pairing. They are balanced each other.

From story, not so much happen, and not all Fallen Angel show. Which make me kinda sad, since I want to know more about Gadreel, one of the Fallen. Lucifer made his first appearance here (he's the big enemy of the Fallen) and another Archangel too, but just briefly. The best thing? Ehm, Meresin is a virgin. I always have a thing or two for virgin heroes, even I'm so sad the sex scene just happen once. We (or I) need more here Ms Leigh Castle ;).

Some complaint from me, I don't like the cover :(. It's not how I picture Meresin (even they got his hair and eye color right). I picture him more brooding, not like an ordinary hunky that posing so awkwardly, lol!

I will recommend this to any angel and PNR fans, and readers who love their hero tortured (to redeem himself later) and a strong heroine. Since this is a novella (just 200 pages), it's perfect for a quick read :)

Thanks for Entangled for providing the e-ARC
Profile Image for Kristina.
271 reviews
September 3, 2013
What I Loved
Characters
I have always loved all of Kendra's male and female characters. She has a way of creating strong female characters that pair really well with sexy bad boy male characters. Both Dru and Meresin are no different. I enjoyed Dru's controlled and collected personality, while Meresin is complete chaos and a ticking lighting bomb.
Romance
Hot and sexy as all hell. Lots of romantic tension, sexy characters and an undeniable attraction that is just brilliant.
Story
Angels, demon and vampires oh my. Who doesn't love a good story with these paranormal creatures, mixed with great characters that are meant for each other. The story moves at a very quick pace, never pausing for a second to let you catch your breath and still your racing heart.

Didn't Like
I forgot this was book 2 in the series, although I have read Renegade Angel, I found myself a little lost at the beginning trying to remember how characters where previously mentioned. I hope this series will be printed, I'm not much of an ebook reader, hence why I haven't read book 1 yet. However I didn't have any issues getting into and thoroughly enjoying every page of the book.

Recommendation
I love everything by Kendra, for me everything is a must read.
Profile Image for Jeannie Zelos.
2,851 reviews57 followers
August 24, 2013
The Demon's Desire (A Hearts of the Fallen Novel) Kendra Leigh Castle .

Arc supplied by publisher.

I really enjoyed the first in this series The Demon’s Song, so was keen to read this follow up. Sadly I've mixed feelings about it. Overall I did enjoy it, just not quite as much as the first. I found it hard to engage with Meresin, he'd been through some traumas that were unimaginable and horrific even by the usual cruelties immortals face and commit, but he was just so surly, unpleasant, rude to everyone including Dru. Then there's Dru, she's fixated on him, she's intelligent, loving and caring and has the balance immortals need in their lives. I liked her immensely, she was looking for the best in everyone and she was so strong and supportive to Justin, her brother the vampire king. I guess she was in a special, privileged position, and yet she used her power sensibly and fairly. She and Meresin have a strange relationship, he wants her but thinks he's not good enough and so won't even admit it to himself. She's taken with him on first sight two years ago. They've had little interaction with each other since the one time she kissed him, to shock him in a situation where he was – as usual – causing problems, and no-one able to talk him down, and she can't get that kiss out of her head.
Anyway – its business as usual, Meresin taking offence at something a vamp has said and in danger of killing him, and Dru to the rescue as the only one who can stop him. Its the last straw for the Angel top brass, and Meresin is sent on a journey which he is unlikely to survive. Through a series of incidents Dru ends up going with him, and his life is caught up with hers so they both face an uncertain future. Once in Purgatory I began to enjoy the novel - when they were there I mean, not me :) - and the relationship began to go somewhere. Dru isn't one to give up, and gradually wears Meresin down and his personality starts to come out rather than just the irritable, surly, belligerent mad we've met so far. Once they get together they are Hot too!! and there was some subtle humour to help the flow – Duct tape in purgatory. Dru's right, that stuff turns up everywhere..I tell my grandkids they only need two things for DIY, duct tape and W.D.40 :)
Stars: just tips in at four. Overall three-quarters of the novel was a good five stars from me, but the early part barely three. I liked the interaction with other angels and vamps (and Levi) but Meresin was so grumpy I wanted to kick his ar*se, and his actions and moods seemed to overly dominate this section. I wasn't really sure at that point what on earth Dru saw in him to put up with his insults, he was hot true but so rude, so what did she see? I really wanted to rate this book higher, but the start was so slow to get me hooked I can't.




Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews28 followers
September 29, 2013
Ever have one of those books that when you read the blurb you were super excited about it? Then had to put it down because something else came up? Then had another book that just had to be read, then another, then another? Each project or book pushing the first book further and further away? Then when you had nothing else to read you remembered "the book"? Yeah me too! That happened to me with Demon's Desire. I did Kendra Leigh Castle an extreme disservice by allowing this to happen. Demon's Desire is everything it's blurb promised it would be.. and a whole lot more!

Demon's Desire is book two in Ms Castle's Hearts of the Fallen Series and what a twisted tale of good vs evil this story is! Love never comes easy but for some creatures, it's harder than others.

Drusilla, is Vampire royalty has served faithfully at her brother's side for over two thousand years. She is a warrior, a fixer, a friend and if needed a powerful enemy. Only once has been a lover.. well a true lover where the heart is involved.. and that ended badly. So she has spent millennium serving her people. But now one powerful Demon, an angel fallen into the abyss of hell, who is trying to redeem himself has captured her completely.

Meresin, is convinced that there is no redemption for him. Young and brash, he left heaven to follow Lucifer, promises of power tempting him, but promises of connection, friends, no more solitude tempted him more. As we all know, Lucifer lied.. Now Meresin is straddling the line between good and evil. He has escaped Hell and is committed to serving good. Only trouble is, he can't seem to be forgiven. So now he still lives in exile. This time one of his own making.

Dru and Meresin.. neither quite understands how very much they fit. Like pieces of a puzzle each part is needed to make the whole. While Dru hasn't been wallowing in her heartbreak all these years she has been afraid to love. And Meresin, he knows there is something special about Dru but love is such a foreign concept to him, he just doesn't get what it is. It's bad enough that they have this connection but now Meresin has been sent on a mission to remove the lightening from him and Dru is at his side. What will such an alive creature do while wandering throughout Purgatory?

Because it's into Purgatory they must go.. Facing past fears all the while running from Lucifer's minions!!

A wonderful story!! I seriously suggest you check this out!!

Shauni



This review is based on the ARC of Demon's Desire, provided by netgalley
Profile Image for Traci (Mad Hatter Reads).
220 reviews49 followers
September 2, 2013
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher in exhange for an honest review

The Demon's Desire continues Kendra Leigh Castle's fabulous series about a group of fallen angels seeking redemption while protecting the night races inhabiting Terra Noctem. Each book focuses on a different member of the Fallen and their love interest. In The Demon's Desire it's Meresin and Dru's turn.

Meresin is one of the most enigmatic of the Fallen, keeping to himself while the rest of his brothers have formed a cohesive group. On top of that, his angelic power over lightening and his ability to cope with others is rapidly becoming more and more unstable. The horrors that Meresin has to face broke my heart and I wanted more than anything for him to have his HEA. Dru shows again and again that she's willing to fight for Meresin and their HEA, even if it means fighting his own inner demons.

The Demon's Desire is darker than book one, The Demon's Song, but considering Meresin's tortured past it's not that surprisingis story would be more somber. There's tons of action and both Meresin and Dru prove to be excellent warriors. Kendra expands her fantastic world-building by taking Meresin and Dru out of Terra Noctem and into mystical realms. Kendra's trademark snark isn't as prevelant in this installment, but she does give us a couple of gems:

..."He has to go to a place and do a thing, and shazam! Awesome happens in an incredibly nonspecific way, maybe even involving a rainbowfarting unicorn! Except probably not, because you obviously think he's going to die!"

She saw Justin jerk his head to the side and glare at her, but that didn't stop her from saying what she felt. She wasn't afraid of Levi.

"That's a ridiculous human myth. I ate a unicorn once," Levi said calmly. "There were no rainbows inside of it."
~Dru, Justin and Levi

"I've got lots of things to plot, for your information. Business opportunities for the city. Fostering diplomatic relations between the night races. Meetings that need to happen, meeting that shouldn't have happened and need to be rectified. My social calendar. Oh, and world domination. That answer your question?"
~Dru to Meresin

The Demon's Desire can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend the entire series...we're only on book two so you can easily catch up (plus if you start with The Demon's Song you can meet my book boyfriend, Phenex).
Profile Image for Angela Carr.
762 reviews81 followers
September 20, 2013


This 2nd installment of Hearts of the Fallen series was a quick and satisfying read. Meresin the ever brooding fallen angel has his story, and I knew it was going to be sweet. If you read the first installment, you know that Meresin is short-tempered and often getting in trouble. His past of countless rejections and torture made him bitter and angry. He is a hard ass among the

group of fallen angels living in Terra Noctem. But as hard ass as he is, there is most definitely a sweet side to him that no one knows exists. He is good with keep the façade of hiding it. Unfortunately, the trouble he is causing is not doing the hidden vampire community any favors. In fact, it’s annoying the Vampire King who is just letting these fallen live among his people. The only person who can deal with him is Dru, Justin’s sister. But this last incident, he not only gets himself in trouble but drags Dru along with him.

I love Dru and Meresin’s love story. They fit just right. Dru being thousands of years old, she didn’t need anything more than just exist in peace, but she never cowers and most definitely not scared of Meresin. I found Dru to be serious and down to the point. I think these are the very traits that can both calm and push Meresin’s buttons and she knows it. I love it when a heroine has that power over her hero. But it was Meresin that truly got my attention. I just love a brooding, troublemaker, and tortured heroes. He is unapproachable, menacing, but the more you get to know him, you’ll find out how sweet he really is. All these years he kept his distance thinking he can never be enough for Dru. But when he decides to show her how he felt, it was very sweet. I was in awe reading of the sacrifices he will make for the ones he love. It made my heart melt into a pile of goop. As corny as that sounds, Meresin is really sweet and falling for him is just inevitable.

Overall, Demon’s Desire is fast paced, action packed and a good romantic read. If you like hot fallen angels, this series is for you.

*ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Becky.
3,431 reviews142 followers
September 12, 2013
Full review on my blog, Becky on Books.

This was a new-to-me author and series, and I really enjoyed it. Even though it’s actually the second book in the series, I quickly caught on to the “rules” of the world and didn’t feel at all lost. I actually liked that there wasn’t too much world building here–it felt like we were dropped right in to the action, which was a lot of fun. I fully intend to go back and read book one, The Demon’s Song, and figure that any questions I still have about the world it is set in will be answered there. For now, though, I had more than enough to help me enjoy this installment.

I’m not going to lie–Meresin is a tough guy to like for much of the book. He’s surly and rude, and pushes everyone around him away with both hands. It’s clear that he doesn’t want to be drawn to Dru, and the feeling is mutual. As Castle slowly reveals Meresin’s history, however, the reasons for his attitude and behavior become clear, and he ends up as a much more sympathetic character than I would have thought he could possibly be. By the time he and Dru reached their destination, I was behind their cause 100%.

Dru was a fabulous heroine throughout. I loved that she was strong for her people, and really enjoyed her relationship with her brother. I also liked that it was she who did most of the pursuing in her relationship with Meresin. I’m definitely hoping she’ll feature prominently in book one–since its hero is her brother, I figure that’s a pretty safe bet.

My only real complaint with this book is that the major climax–the moment that determines Dru and Meresin’s fate–largely takes place off page. The character from whose point of view we’re seeing that scene loses consciousness, and by the time we return to the narrative, it’s all over. It felt like a bit of a let down, but I so enjoyed everything else about the book that it was hard to be too disappointed overall. The characters I’d started to care so much about got their HEA, and that in itself was satisfying.

In a nutshell: I will absolutely return to this author and this world. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and gave me characters I loved rooting for. Solid B+.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Gigi staub.
942 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2013
He’s as dark and dangerous as the storms he once commanded…and she can’t get him out of her heart.Dru has spent two thousand years fighting to keep the people of Terra Noctem safe. In all that time, she's only opened her heart to one man, with disastrous results. But when her city takes in a group of renegade Fallen, she finds herself drawn to the brooding and tormented Meresin, despite the fact that he seems to be the least redeemable of them all. When his instability hits a breaking point, Meresin’s only chance at survival is a perilous journey into a place from which few ever return. What he never expected was that confronting his demons would mean risking not only his future, but Dru's as well...and that one stubborn vampire might give him back not just hope…but his heart.

Review:

Now, who does not like a sexy, brooding, fallen angel???

Well, if you don't what is wrong with you? LOL just kidding, no not really ;)

I really liked this fast paced book, it kept my attention and entertained through the whole story. Ms. Castle is a new to me Author and liked her writing style and story telling. Now, this is the second book in the series, but really that should not deter you from reading this, I did not feel in the dark or lost.

The story is about Dru, a vampire and Meresin, a fallen angel. I see them as opposites, Dru is blond, light, friendly, an optimist and Meresin, is black, dark, a loner, sad...but they are so perfect for each other. They shared a kiss (which must have happened in book 1) and have been doing a dance around each other ever since. Meresin has the power of storms and his control of these powers is getting worse and worse, so he is told to go to find the person who gave him these powers and try to get him to take them back/out. Dru trying to protect Meresin is stabbed and Meresin must give her his blood to heal her. As a result of this they are bonded/mated and Dru convinces Meresin that she must go with him on his quest. Their trip to purgatory is scary, sad but beautiful as they come together and you learn about their pasts. The end of the book is very exciting.

I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Stephanie Ziegler.
308 reviews23 followers
August 31, 2013
Terra Noctem is an "underground city of vampires and other night creatures." They are ruled by Justin, the Vampire King, and his sister. Though Drusilla refuses to call herself the Vampire Queen, she still maintains the status and respect of one.

Dru seems to be the only person that can calm down "an ornery fallen angel" named Meresin. Over the last two years, since the Fallen arrived at Terra Noctem seeking refuge, people have noticed that Dru and Meresin have some sort of connection. But Meresin hates everything and everybody and his anger gets worse every day. Still, Dru finds herself fixated on him.

Meresin is special. He is "the first of the Fallen with an element running through [his] veins, ready to call upon in an instant. A warrior unmatched Above or Below." He is "the only Fallen who can command the lightning."

The Infernal Council decided that Meresin was too dangerous to keep. He was becoming as unstable as his element. But he is "far too useful to kill." Meresin needs to control his element and there was only one thing left to do - enter Purgatory and find the demon that bound the lightning to him in hope that he can undo it.

I GIVE THIS BOOK: 4 Stars

Sometimes you have to go to Hell and back to realize what you love in life.

This story was a struggle. Meresin Kept himself at a distance from everyone and everything. It was easier for him. Until he had to go to Purgatory. There, he had to face things for the first time. Meresin had to struggle between his inexperience, the unknown, and the dangers of Purgatory.

This is the first book that I have read where a vampire has a heartbeat.

I really enjoyed reading Meresin's journey, but I felt that I was missing something. Almost as if the author wrote assuming the reader already knows things. It might be best to read the first book before this one.

The ending made me cry but I will not say if they were sad tears or happy tears. You will have to find that out for yourself.

Until next time, live life one page at a time!
Profile Image for Lynn.
119 reviews8 followers
September 7, 2013
4 Storm Raising Stars!

Kendra Leigh Castle does it again with The Demon’s Desire. The second book to Hearts of the Fallen series, I have found another fallen angel that has captured my heart. With his brooding, unaccepting of love and forgiveness, and let’s not forget the lightning, Meresin is downright sexy and I wanted to save him!
Fortunately for us (and him) he has Drusilla. Sister to the vampire King of Terra Noctem, she has the spine of steel, a fighter, finding good in everyone, and is relentless in not giving Meresin the one thing he wants from everyone; to be left alone.
But one day, Meresin loses control and he is forced down the one path he has dreaded from the very beginning, almost more than being trapped in a cage and tortured in Hell. And he must do this alone until one event leads to another and he no longer can leave Dru behind.
As Dru and Meresin make their journey into Purgatory to find what Meresin is looking for, they both discover things about themselves and each other that will change things forever. But is that enough? Will they accept these realizations or will they push each other away, causing their imminent destruction?
I couldn’t get enough of Dru’s spunk and sass and her no-nonsense attitude. She is the true opposite of Meresin which makes her his perfect match. Meresin is incredibly delicious in the tortured soul sort of way. These two and their interactions are frustrating yet in-line with who they are.
The Demon’s Desire is a perfect follow up to The Demon’s Song and I cannot wait for the next Hearts of the Fallen!!
*Here is my review for The Demon's Song, the story of Phenex and Sofia: http://caretocommentanne.blogspot.com...

Note: The Demon’s Desire can be read by itself, but I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book just because it is awesome :D

(I received an ARC for my review and this is my honest-to-goodness, straight from the heart review!)

www.caretocommentanne.blogspot.com For more book reviews!
Profile Image for Miriam.
737 reviews39 followers
August 30, 2013
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***

Dru is a two thousand year old vampire with two jobs: help her Vampire King brother keep their city of Terra Noctem safe, and keep Fallen Angel of Storms Meresin from frying the inhabitants with lightning. While the first job is simple enough, the second isn't. She might be able to calm the brooding Fallen with a touch or a word, but being near the unstable Angel wrecks havoc with her emotions, especially since that kiss...

Meresin is a ticking time bomb, a living weapon forged in Purgatory who's becoming more and more unstable with every passing day. And when his instability reaches its peak, he's forced to confront his past, this time with Dru. He knows the journey ahead will be hard, fraught with dangers of all kinds. What he hadn't counted on was danger that Dru would present to his heart, and how she would ultimately be the one to help guide him to the redemption, love, and acceptance he's desperately craved all these years.

This is an amazing love story about two severely wounded people: one who has already made amends with her past but hasn't forgotten it, and the other who hasn't and can't. Dru's ability to see the light and goodness in the darkness surrounding Meresin is as touching as Meresin's past is heartbreaking. I love Dru's infinite patience with the Fallen Angel, how she continues to believe in him, believe the best of him, even when he doesn't.

Ms. Castle has penned a moving story with two memorable characters I'm not likely to forget anytime soon. And it wasn't just the story itself I found enjoyable, but her attention to detail as well. Emotions, places, and events were so well described I felt like I was there seeing and experiencing everything Meresin and Dru were going through. To pen a great story is one thing, but to pen a story is I can get completely absorbed in is another. I look forward to reading more of this series by Ms. Castle.
Profile Image for Pam.
916 reviews45 followers
September 1, 2013
Meresin lives with the other fallen angels who have taken refuge in Terra Noctem. The vampire let them live there in peace. Meresin is different than the other fallen angels and has anger problems. He also is unpredictable as the storms he can create. He has become a danger to himself and the others. The only person who can reach him is Dru a 2000 year old vampire. She can manage him somewhat and tries her best to fight her feelings for him. He tries his best to ignore her. She has had her heart broke before and he doesn't want to get close to anyone. He goes to far and is told it's time to visit a place from his past. He will either come out a changed man or die trying. Dru goes with him to help keep him grounded and to guard her won life. They both may lose their hearts and lives on this dangerous mission.

Meresin is the sexy fallen angel no one can get close to. He would rather just stay away from everyone than chance losing his temper or getting to close to them. Even his fellow fallen angels stay away for the most part. He has been through so much and thinks no one could care about him. He is very dangerous and one of a kind. Dru has had her heart broke before and had to do a hard thing. She is very hardworking but stays on the sidelines. She really cares about people and as she even will say it is just her nature to care.

I really loved this book. It gives a different twist to angels and I loved getting to know the main characters. Both have pieces that seem to be missing even if they don't know it. They each would be so great together but both are scared and they both have bad timing as you will see. Their attraction seems to come out at the worse times. This book has action whether its Meresin fighting vampires or trying to get his life back and Dru seems to always be there for him. If you enjoy paranormal books or just a great story I recommend this one. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Profile Image for Rhianna.
459 reviews93 followers
August 26, 2013
Should have called it The Vampire's Desire...

The biggest misfortune of this series is how intertwined the books are. When I read THE DEMON'S SONG I spent much of the time being confused by mentions of characters and events that you don't usually get in a first of the series. As it happens, some digging helped me discover that Castle has written about some of the secondary characters and this world in a series for another publisher. It's my humble opinion that if you want to enjoy the Hearts of the Fallen you really need to have read the others. I was still pretty confused about some of what goes on in THE DEMON'S DESIRE thanks to the same trouble with references.

If you can get past the confusing bits this is a really good story. I am very fond of romances where the heroine does more of the pursuing than the hero but they are few and far between. If you enjoy that role reversal this is one great example. Meresin has a lot of issues that make him think he's not worthy of acceptance, let alone love. Dru is pretty much the only person who has any positive effect on him and no one else gets why she'd have anything to do with him. It makes for a nice change from the usual romance tropes.

The plot itself is pretty straight forward, very predictable, yet still manages to be well executed. I'm a fan of virgin heroes so if you are too make sure you give this one a read!

I didn't care for TDS so I was admittedly very hesitant to give the series another chance. I really enjoy Castle's writing style but I never read a second in a series if I gave the first only 2 stars. I'm very glad I took the chance and think if you had a similar feeling about TDS you might want to give the series a second chance with TDD.

Notes: ARC received via publisher.
Profile Image for Julie Darley (Never judge a Book by its Movie).
Author 2 books46 followers
August 19, 2013
I wasn't sure about this book, I requested the ARC for this soon to be released book but I thought the cover to be a little on the bodice ripper style. The story started out a little confusing. Drusilla, vampire royalty is called to break up a commotion between two vampires and Meresin, a fallen angel who is allowed to live in Terra Noctem, a fictional vampire town under Miami, Florida. What I found confusing was there were many parts of the narrative the author expected you to know, or assume you knew where the characters were with each other.
Once I’d gotten past piecing together where the story was at it settled down. Dru the vampire was in love with Meresin the fallen. While the idea was utter preposterous it was a good story. Dru is stubborn and strong-willed, never backing away from a fight & it soon became clear she was going to make Meresin’s fight hers too.
Meresin, is a hunky, brooding loner. Determined to do things on his own, his way, never once believing he can be anything other than the monster they made him. Something happens between them (not telling, no spoilers here!) that has them linked together he has no choice but to take her with him.
Embarking on a terrifying journey they learn more about each other, but will it all be enough? You’ll have to find out on August 26th 2013 when the book is released.
If you like red-hot angels, beautiful heroines and heaven/hell battles this is definitely the book for you. What I liked most about it was the author kept enough reality in the story to be able to connect to the characters outside of what they were. Thumbs up, if you like the work of Sherrilyn Kenyon & her Dark Hunter books you’ll love this.
Profile Image for Tina.
269 reviews17 followers
August 12, 2016
This is the second book in the Hearts of the Fallen series, and a very entertaining story about a fallen angel who is loved by a vampire. I recommend this to any reader who enjoys paranormal romance. I liked that I did not have to read the first book prior to this one, but I do want to read it because this one was so good.

Meresin is one of the Fallen, a group of renegade fallen angels who have made their home in Terra Noctem. He has been given the powers to control the storm, which he does quite often since he is so tormented and always in a bad mood. He is determined that there is nothing that can save him, so he doesn’t let anyone get close to him. Not even the female vampire that he has feelings for.

Dru has fought to keep the people of Terra Noctem safe for the past two thousand years. She is a fixer but she is also a loner when it comes to intimate relationships. She trusted one man with her heart and he betrayed her, so she has not gotten that close to a man ever since. But there is something about Meresin that she feels is worth saving. Will he ever let her get close enough to find out if she can trust him with her heart?

Meresin has reached the breaking point, so in order to save him he is sent to confront his demons in a place where many never leave once they arrive. An unexpected event causes Dru to accompany him, but if he does not survive this journey, neither will she. Can he face his past to give Dru her future? Is it possible that Dru can open his heart to see that she just might be the biggest part of his future?

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Steph.
2,160 reviews305 followers
May 21, 2014
The Demon's Desire focuses on Meresin, the former Angel of Storms, and Dru, the Vampire King's sister and "the go-to girl for fixing stuff around Terra Noctem". I was intrigued by both in The Demon's Song and was happy to learn more about each of them.
The quiet, forbidding fallen angel who hated everyone and everything had yielded to her, just for a moment, and she'd been able to feel just how much passion and need he had walled up inside himself. The hunger in him had seemed violent, fathomless.
In The Demon's Song, we learned a tiny bit about their history. We learned Dru had managed to kiss Meresin, the loner who hates to be touched, as a way to temporarily distract him and they've been snarking at each other ever since. Secretly though, Dru is drawn to Meresin despite his negative reactions when she's around him. And, Meresin is equally drawn to Dru, although he cannot fathom why anyone would be interested in him.
He no longer called the storm. He'd become it.
I loved learning more about these two. The world building in this series is done in such a way that it leaves you wanting more instead of wanting it to stop. Kendra's writing has a certain subtlety to it making this a very enjoyable series. I look forward to more Hearts of the Fallen .
Profile Image for Stephanie F.
155 reviews25 followers
August 27, 2013
The Demon's Desire is the second book in the Hearts of Fallen series. If you haven't read the first book The Demon's Song I highly recommend you pick it up. While you don't need to have read it before this one you will be more familiar with the characters and the world.
It begins in Terra Noctem a hidden world of vampires, angels, demons and fallen angels. The world building and characters are intriguing and draw you not the story.
The hero Meresin is the Fallen Angel of Storms, he is a weapon in himself and it comes with a price. He is damaged, flawed and pushes everyone away. In order to save himself he has to return to Purgatory. He has always been a loner but to survive he knows he needs Dru's help. The one woman he cares for but refuses to admit to.
Dru is vampire royalty and ever since she kissed Meresin she has wanted him. She is the only person that brings some peace to him. Her strength of character, caring and determination to help the man she loves really has you rooting for her and you can't help but to be drawn to her.
Dru follows Meresin to Purgatory, a mission that is sure to kill him. Slowly throughout their journey Dru wears him down and once she does WOW does it get hot. The romance while slow to begin is well worth the wait.
This is story of betrayal, redemption and second chances. I loved that it featured a heroine who is the one pursuing her man. She is determined to save him and have him and never gives up.
My only complaint is that he ending was a little abrupt and felt rushed but overall another great story from a fantastic author.
3 reviews
September 1, 2013
The Demon's Desire by Kendra Leigh Castle, A Hearts of the Fallen Book was a pleasant and unexpected surprise. My normal books I read are paranormal romance, vamps, werewolves, the like. This one kind of fell into that category - it had some Fallen Angels, which is a newer level of paranormal. I was anticipating the same old story, but found myself drawn into a story of someone learning to accept and forgive. The twist comes with who learns how to do this - it's not who you would think.
I loved that this story centered around a family - both a nuclear family, and the family we all have the chance to make for ourselves - those who we draw near to us by choice, instead of genetics. The central character Dru is a well developed woman who knows who she is, what she stands for and what she desires. The others around her have learned and are learning just how determined she is to get what she feels is right for her.
The other central character, Meresin, is a picture of brokeness and strength. The two seem to be opposites, and maybe that is what makes his character so interesting. He is both - and he has to learn how to cope with that.
The relationship between Dru and Meresin was fun and poignant. I really enjoyed watching them follow the path they go down. It got to the point where I found myself taking my phone and reading during my breaks at work, walking around the block (not recommended... lol) and in the restroom!! I am ready to go look for others by the author and see what else she has to share with me.
Profile Image for Itara ~*My Midnight Fantasies*~.
102 reviews17 followers
August 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book I read from Kendra and I love her books. Characters from the previous book were mentioned but some didn't make an appearance, but I still liked that they were included. This book is the a companion novel but also in the same series if that makes sense. I feel like this is a Beauty And The Beast retelling almost. There's this really powerful Demon/Fallen Angel that is crazy dangerous. He has no regard for his life let alone anybody else's. Meresin has the power to command lightning and boy did he like to zap people (particularly vampires that pissed him off). Ever since Dru kissed him as a prank one time, he's bound to stay away from her, but what he doesn't know is that she liked the kiss just as much as he did. They both have feelings for each other but can't find the courage to tell each other. There is a steamy sex scene but I think it was also sweet. I liked the adventure Meresin and Dru went on, it helped them figure themselves out and also learn about each other. I also liked the end, I think it was sweet and perfect for them.

5/5 From me because I couldn't stop reading it, the story was so interesting and I really fell for the characters. I love how they felt about each other and how it all came together in the end.
2,130 reviews46 followers
August 29, 2013
Meresin is a fallen angel with a bad attitude and a dangerous power. He and his brothers have been given refuge by Justin, the Vampire King. Unfortunately Meresin doesn't play nice with others and constantly causes problems. The only person he listens to is Dru, Justin's sister. Attraction sizzles between them thought neither will admit it. Dru becomes blood bonded with him when he saves her from dying. Meresin has to embark on a dangerous journey to take away his lightening. Dru goes with him. With Lucifer tracking them, there is only a small chance they'll survive. Will they admit their love? Can a fallen angel and a 2000 year old vampire find happiness together? Kendra Leigh Smith has written a wonderful story. She combines fantasy and romance to give you a tale of second chances and redemption. Dru and Meresin may be opposites but when they are together they are unstoppable. I love how they slowly learn to trust and confide in each other. Their romance is very sexy yet tender. I enjoy reading a book that has suspense, romance and characters I love. This is such a book.

I received a copy of The Demon's Desire from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Diane Lynch Lynch.
1,883 reviews52 followers
August 25, 2013
Meresin is the Fallen Angel of Storms. He is the only angel, who is a weapon, able to wield lightning. Unfortunately, that gift (or curse) came with a price it is eating away at him, making him unredeemable in his eyes.

Drusilla (Dru) is a two thousand-year-old vampire of noble blood, sister to the king. Ever since kissing Meresin, she has been infatuated by the Fallen Angel. She is the only person that can calm Meresin.

In order to prevent his destruction Meresin needs to return to the place that fused him into a weapon, purgatory. He is used to being a loner, never relying on anyone. However, knowing he needed her help, Dru accompanies him to their presumed death.

I really enjoyed this book. You couldn’t help to cheer Meresin on. The Deamon’s Desire is an original and entertaining story. Kendra Leigh Castle is an exceptional creative writer.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog:
http://dianelynchbookreviews.blogspot...
Profile Image for Melindeeloo.
3,268 reviews158 followers
February 20, 2015
4.5 stars - This was the best of Castle's (rebooted) Hearts of the Fallen so far. This time Dru, second in command of the Terra Noctem and a warrior in her own right, is drawn to Meresin, a fallen angel who is sure that redemption is out of his reach and who keeps everyone at a distance with his surliness.
I really liked both the broody fallen angel who doubts his worthiness and the female vampire who has plenty of her own power and has developed a really great attitude over her thousands of years of life – she is more than capable of holding her own with Meresin. Add in some good chemistry between the reluctant leading man and the woman who decides that it is worth pursuing him, and a quest to purgatory and I really enjoyed this story.
So this one gets an enthusiastic “I really liked it" from me and I hope that Castle writes more (I can see potentially two more possible leading men in the wings (and that have wings;)
Profile Image for Kae Thomas Hawk.
148 reviews3 followers
August 27, 2013
A match between a fallen angel and a vampire. It worked. I love how sassy Dru is. Of course it takes a lot to get Meresin to show any emotion. Like almost dying. When Dru takes a sword for him she is close to dying and he gives her his blood which bonds them. This creates a little problem for Meresin. He doesn't want anyone near him because he is losing control. And Dru isn't letting him go face what it will take to get his control back by himself. See if he dies so does she and that is just not acceptable. Besides she really does have deep feelings for him. Many things happen on their journey to finding the answers they need and of course along the way they fall in love. There is a battle that has a big reveal and well, of course they end up together. I would love to read more of Kendra's books as I did enjoyed this one.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2013
This is the second in this series by Kendra Leigh Castle and Meresin's story is even better than Phenex's Song. Although fallen these angels will enlighten our souls and make us wish for a happily ever after. Meresin has such a lost, tortured soul that you would not think him savable. But, when Dru looks beneath the surface she sees so much more than anyone else can. In order to save his soul she follows him into purgatory and must face a past that is as torturous as Meresin's time since he has fallen. Great characters, a intriguing story line so intense that you won't be able to put this book down until you read the final page and see if Meresin and Dru are able to save each other and the future that neither could ever expect. I look forward to the next in this series. I mean really...who can pass up sexy, men that wrap their world around you.
Profile Image for Emma.
38 reviews
August 28, 2013
I hadn't read the first of this series but found that this didn't detract from the book and it can easily be read as a stand alone.

Dru is drawn to Meresin when noone else wants anything to do with him. She seems to have a unique ability to calm him when he's pushed to the limit. Meresin craves redemption but also doesn't think he's worthy. All his thoughts and feelings are tangled and he is struggling to come to terms with the torture he had been submitted to.
Together Dru and Meresin go on a journey to Purgatory to try and heal Meresin along the way they discover that sometimes all you need is Love (gosh that sounds so cheesy lol)
Quite enjoyed this story. World crafting was excellent and loved how Purgatory was protrayed. Only thing that could have improved on this was if it was longer
Profile Image for Evelyn.
191 reviews
August 26, 2013
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was a little wary of jumping into a series without having read the first book. Although I think a few terms, and secondary characters would be better explained if The Demon's Song was read first.

I really liked Dru. It was nice to have a character who was strong for a change when most novels regardless of genre are about nervous, awkward and klutzy heroines. She was a warrior whether it was for her city or the people she cared about. Meresin had many different layers but she still cared about him. To be totally honest, at times he annoyed me because he was so negative but in the end I understood and it made for a good story.

Profile Image for Amanda Menninga.
117 reviews3 followers
August 31, 2013
I honestly wasn't sure about this book prior to starting it. I would have to admit the book caught my attention from the first few pages. The plot line is that a 2,000 year old Vampire (Dru) had some type of connection with a fallen Angel (Meresin. They both fight the unspoken connection until they are forced to come together and Dru then helps her fallen Angel regain his sole. I felt that the sassy Vampire ,Dru, was funny and very down to earth for being a 2,000 year old vampire. Her falling in love with a fallen angel made the book interesting in the challenges they faced. The challenges they faced together while being make believe showed their true strength in love.
Profile Image for Holly.
397 reviews3 followers
August 25, 2013
This is the second book in this series and was a good read, but not as good as the first for me. I liked the story line and loved how Meresin and Dru were with each other. I just feel that the book was rushed, especially the ending. Like there was a certain word count or deadline and so we were given the resolution with no explanation to how we got there. It left me with more unanswered question than answered ones. Still worth a read though, especially if you have read the first. I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,207 reviews166 followers
August 29, 2013
This book contained a combination of supernaturals that I've never read together before: angels & vampires. I found it interesting to see how they interacted together. Meresin is the fallen angel and Dru is a 2,000 year old vampire. They obviously have feelings for each other and the book explores what happens when they act on it. This is book two in Hearts of the Fallen series. I've never read book one, The Demon's Song, but that didn't make it hard to understand the characters or storyline. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa.
225 reviews7 followers
August 26, 2013
Dursilla is a vampire and Meresin is a fallen angel. Dursilla made a mistake over 2000 yrs ago, turning her boy friend into a vampire and had to kill him for killing innocent people. Meresin only remembers what hell is like and has only anger for many things. The saying goes what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger is what Dursilla and Meresin story reminds me of, love is the most powerful feeling of all.
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